Understanding how prostate cancer cells remain dormant in the bone.
Official title: Dissecting the intrinsic and extrinsic regulators of prostate cancer dormancy in the bonemicroenvironment.
Funded at University of South Florida · NIH-10906171 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how prostate cancer cells can go into a resting state in the bones and then wake up later, with the goal of finding new ways to stop the cancer from coming back, especially for older men who are more likely to have this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tampa, United States) |
| Project start | August 11, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $40,973 |
| NIH project number | 5F99CA284258-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10906171 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older men, particularly those aged 65 and over, who have been treated for prostate cancer and may be at risk for metastatic relapse.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with prostate cancer who are not in a dormant state or those who are not aged 65 and over may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms that allow prostate cancer cells to enter and exit a dormant state within the bone environment. By using advanced models and techniques, the study aims to identify specific molecular factors that regulate this dormancy, which can persist for years after initial treatment. The researchers will analyze gene expression patterns in prostate cancer cells under different conditions to uncover potential targets for new therapies that could prevent cancer recurrence. This work is particularly relevant for older men, as prostate cancer is more common in this age group.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent the recurrence of prostate cancer in patients who have undergone initial therapy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding cancer dormancy, but this specific approach focusing on prostate cancer dormancy is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of South Florida
Tampa, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nasr, Mostafa M. — University of South Florida
- Study coordinator: Nasr, Mostafa M.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.